Minerals

is a naturally occuring, inorganic solid with a specific chemical composition and a definite crystalline structure

Characteristics of a Mineral
Luster-the way light is reflected from its surface.

Streak- is the color of the powder left behind when the mineral is rubbed against a hard, rough surface

Cleavage-a mineral that splits relatively eays and evenly along one or more flat pieces

Fracture- is a mark left on a mineral when it has a chip or is completely broken
-Uneven
-Conchoidals


Hardness- is the ability of a mineral to resist being scratched.
-Diamond is the hardest
-Talc is the softest
-Glass is 5.5


Density- is the amount of matter in a given space (mass/volume).


Color- is easily observed, but not always a reliable characteristic for the identification of minerals.

Magnetism occurs when there is an imbalance in the structural arrangement of the iron ions
Chemical Properties of a Mineral

chemical formula.
Mineral Families
Actinolite
Amber -
Amblygonite

Physical Properties of Minerals

Properties Of Some Common Minerals\

Special Properties- indentify minerals with the same phyiscal property, tasting or UV rays
http://www.johnbetts-fineminerals.com/jhbnyc/fluoresc.htm
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How You Can Tell Differences Between Minerals That May Look The Same :
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Extra Information:
-The study of minerals is called mineralogy. It includes mineral identification and description, the classification of mineral groups, and the study of where minerals occur.